Mixed Prepositional Phrases - Intermediate Exercises
B2 Level
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At this level, several options may seem grammatically possible, so the whole meaning matters. A reason can be introduced with due to or as a result of, but a source needs according to. A contrast needs in spite of, while a replacement needs instead of. On behalf of is about representation, but in charge of is about responsibility. Time phrases also differ: for the time being is temporary, while in the long run points to later consequences. If two answers sound possible, identify the function before choosing the phrase.
Quick Rule
clause + fixed prepositional phrase + noun or gerund, chosen by function: cause, contrast, replacement, source, role, habit, time, or manner
- 1.The policy changed as a result of customer complaints.
- 2.The flight did not leave on time due to fog.
- 3.In terms of health, less sugar would help.
- 4.The lawyer spoke on behalf of her client.
- 5.As a rule, I prefer tea to coffee.
- 6.In the long run, this temporary solution will cause problems.
All 20 questions
Complete each sentence by typing the correct prepositional phrase from the three options shown in parentheses.
We searched everywhere for the lost keys, but _____. They had completely disappeared. (in vain / in time / in general)
_____ her lack of experience, she managed to win the competition. (In spite of / Apart from / Instead of)
The company changed its policy _____ customer complaints about long waiting times. (as a result of / on behalf of / for the time being)
The flight was delayed _____ heavy fog at the airport. (in terms of / in charge of / due to)
I chose him at random from the class — I just pointed at someone _____. (by heart / by chance / by accident)
You should eat less sugar. _____ your health, it would be much better. (In spite of / In terms of / In front of)
_____ studying in the library, she decided to work at a coffee shop. (In spite of / In addition to / Instead of)
_____ English, she also speaks French and Spanish fluently. (In place of / Instead of / Apart from)
The lawyer spoke _____ her client during the court hearing. (on behalf of / in charge of / in place of)
I sent the email to the wrong person _____. I confused the two addresses. (on purpose / by mistake / by chance)
_____, this has been a successful year for the company. (On foot / At once / On the whole)
The new employee will start work next week. _____, please send all urgent requests to me. (For the time being / In the long run / In general)
He didn't apologise to her, even though he said those things _____. (in vain / on purpose / in time)
_____ regular exercise, she also follows a strict diet. (In addition to / Instead of / In spite of)
I don't have a car, so I travel to work _____ every day. (on time / on foot / on purpose)
We need to hurry. There's a queue and I want to get there _____. (in time / in vain / in general)
_____, I prefer tea to coffee, but sometimes I make an exception. (On behalf of / At once / As a rule)
He was _____ the entire event — organising speakers, booking rooms, and managing the budget. (in front of / in charge of / in spite of)
_____ what the newspaper says, the mayor plans to resign next month. (In addition to / According to / In place of)
This solution is only temporary. _____, it will cause more problems. (In the long run / For the time being / At the moment)
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